Carlow were full value for their three-point win at the Gaelic Grounds against a Limerick side who suffered their second defeat in a row.

Carlow made most of the running to secure their second win in as many games.

The opening 10 minutes were close enough, but a goal gave Carlow an advantage they never lost. A free by Darragh Foley bounced awkwardly for the Limerick defence and into the net of the home captain Donal O'Sullivan.

By half-time Carlow led by 1-7 to 0-6. Jamie Lee had Limerick's first point of the second half but the closest they got was to be four points behind, 1-9 to 0-8 after 47 minutes.

Carlow put the game out of Limerick's reach with a second goal.

The two captains faced off in a penalty situation and Limerick's goalkeeper blocked John Murphy's shot, but Paul Broderick was credited with putting the rebound to the net.

That made it 2-9 to 0-8 and whether it was that Carlow relaxed or Limerick improved, the home side scored the last four points.

Broderick top-scored for Carlow with 1-4, with Limerick's Jamie Lee putting over four points before going of injured after 47 minutes.

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His replacement Robbie Bourke scored a point - to add to the 14 he scored for UL Bohemian in the All Ireland rugby Division 1B game 24 hours earlier.